Dual-Layer Microbubble Lipospheres Generated by a Microfluidic System

Tech ID: 19667 / UC Case 2008-261-0

Brief Description

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed an improved method utilizing microfluidic systems for the controlled generation of dual-layer microbubble lipospheres that may be used for drug delivery.

Background

Acoustically active lipospheres are capable of delivering bioactive substances at high concentrations in the lipid-oil complex. The oil layer of such lipospheres are capable of carrying highly hydrophobic drugs such as the chemotherapeutic drug Paclitaxel, which is currently delivered to cancer patients intravenously. Paclitaxel can be dissolved at high concentrations in the lipid-oil complex of lipospheres. Such vehicles can provide an alternative method of delivery of therapeutic drugs that have poor oral bioavailability.

Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed an improved method utilizing microfluidic systems for the controlled generation of dual-layer microbubble lipospheres that may be used for drug delivery. These gas-filled lipospheres have a lipid shell and an additional layer of oil just beneath the lipid shell. Using a polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic device that features a combined dual flow-focusing region and expanding nozzle geometry with a 15µm orifice width 10µm lipospheres were produced. This microfluidic device is tunable in creating these microbubbles. Therefore the parameters of the microbubbles and the concentration of the contents in the microbubbles are highly tunable in creating uniform particles. These lipospheres (< 10µm) are an ideal size for carrying large drug payloads that are highly hydrophobic.

Suggested uses

These lipospheres may be used to deliver highly lipophilic drugs with poor oral bioavailability.